Fireplace Safety

Baby-it's cold here in Louisville this morning!  Negative 9 degrees with 35 mile an hour winds and 5 inches of new snow.  Here are some tips to keep you safe and warm if you use a fireplace to help heat your home.

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a CERTIFIED Chimney specialist.  This is vital to prevent the buildup of creosote which can cause fires.
• Keep your roof clear of leaves, pin needles and branches which hang near the chimney, flue or vents.
• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester to prevent wayward sparks from 
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home to prevent bug infestation
• Keep the hearth free of decorations, newspapers and flammable materials in the event of a wayward spark
•  ALWAYS use a metal screen
• NEVER use flammable liquids to start a fire
• Don't be tempted to burn cardboard boxes and trash in your fireplace or wood stove
• Never leave a burning fire unattended.  Extinguish a fire before leaving your home or going to bed
• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container to transport
• Have working Smoke alarms which you test when you change your clocks twice a year
• Have a working fire extinguisher in your home

Now, enjoy a cold winter day in front of your home fireplace.